New Holland

Built on a 19-acre islet surrounded by canals, on the remnants of a former Dutch settlement, New Holland re-opened in 2018 as a multi-use space that’s part park and playground (for both children and adults), part shopping and dining destination. Financed by a multi-million-dollar investment by Roman Abramovich (the oligarch who also owns the Chelsea Football Club), New Holland draws a fun mix of local families and young people thanks to the generous outdoor spaces (games like frisbee, badminton, petanque and even Twister are available to rent).

There are numerous cafes and restaurants, including stylish Kuznya House a decided hot spot, especially on the weekends when it turns into a party in the wee hours. The so-called Bottle building, a round brick extravaganza, hosts two floors of small boutiques, selling everything from comics to fashion. Don’t miss the outpost of Garage Bookshop and 8 Store, which carries exclusively Russian designers. New Hollands is rounded out by art and exhibition spaces, a movie theater and a ballet school headed by famed prima-ballerina Diana Vishneva.

For visitors, this is a great spot to get a sense of present-tense St. Petersburg, and thanks to several playgrounds and beautifully planted al fresco spaces, it’s a good destination for families who need a break from heavy historical touring.